Yankee301 wrote:We should definitely wear harnesses. Are we wearing the correct harnesses though? If you are unable to self rescue from most hunting harnesses you will begin to quickly experience trauma. Most of the relief loops don't work very well even if you are uninjured enough to use them. I switched to a rock climbing harness for a few reasons. It will turn you toward the tree with a greater chance of self rescue and I should be able to sit in it for quite some time. They do sell full body styles and chest harnesses for the sit versions if you are worried about slipping out of it. Also make sure we are using a proper tether and using it correctly to reduce or eliminate the trauma of a fall. I know this can be a hotly debated topic but I believe I am safer with the RC harness. I have a whistle connected to my jacket zipper and a communication device zipped in a pocket. Many of you beast style hunters may have to wait awhile for any help so it is just something to think about.
A properly utilized safety harness will have the strap just a bit taught when you sit down. This limits the distance you can actually fall. Gravity will always pull you into the tree. At that point, self-rescue depends on your equipment. If you have a hang on then you should be able to reach, grab, and get back onto your steps or climbing sticks. If you fall from a climber, then you need to be able to pull yourself back into the stand which is a lot more difficult. Especially if the strap was loose and your "fall" has you below the stand.
Rock harnesses are okay I suppose. I've never used one myself. But many lack a lineman's belt loop(s) and they also have your tether at hip height which introduces the possibility the carabiner could hit other metal like your stand seat, sticks, etc. Rock harnesses also tend to have metal loops, etc. which I try to avoid because of noise potential. In a self-recovery situation, though I can't argue they are the better option.